Institute for Forensic Science

Mission Statement

The Institute for Forensic Science at Texas Tech University is committed to the production
and dissemination of interdisciplinary forensic science research through a unique
multidisciplinary program that provides outstanding education, research, and professional
training opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students at TTU, and local and
regional law enforcement. The Institute is a comprehensive teaching, training, and
research organization in all aspects of forensic science. The Institute is committed
to providing outstanding service to the university, profession, and community. We
are committed to supporting local law enforcement and criminal justice agencies through
the sharing of ideas, problem-solving, and empiricism promoting prosocial values and
contributing to safer communities.

Location

The Institute for Forensic Science is located at 4434 South Loop 289 in Lubbock. We are on the South side of Lubbock on the access road between Quaker
and Slide. To get directions from your location, click here.

News

November 21, 2016:Dr. Megan A. Thoen's poster submission entitled, "Impact of Changing Shift Schedules
on Officer Wellness and Job Satisfaction", with co-author Andy Young, Ed.D of Lubbock
Christian University was accepted for inclusion in the 2017 American Psychology-Law
Society Annual conference which will be held in Seattle, Washington, on March 16-18.

November 8, 2016: Dr. Prada's graduate student Silas Kemboi had his abstract accepted for the AAFS
69th Annual Scientific Meeting to be held in New Orleans, LA this upcoming February
13-18, 2017. The title of the work is "Hand Odor Volatiles and Drug Abuse: A Pilot
Study Using a Chemical-Dependent Target Group (Poster presentation), Silas Kemboi,
BS; Megan A. Thoen, PhD. & Paola A. Prada, PhD".

November 4, 2016:Dr. Paine's graduate student Courtney Brown received news that her abstract was accepted
for the 69th Annual American Academy for Forensic Sciences conference to be held in
New Orleans, LA this February 13-18, 2017. The title of the work is "Arsenic-Fed Piglets:
Assessing Heavy Metal Levels in Decomposing Pig Tissues and Soil Samples (poster presentation),
Courtney Brown, BS; Robert R. Paine, PhD. & David Klein, PhD".

September 15, 2016:Interested in skeletal biology? There is an upcoming course in Crete for Summer I
2017, ANTH 4643/5315 Field Research in Skeletal Biology. For more information, contact
Dr. Paine or review the flier. These classes are merely provided as a convenience or informational resource. They
do not imply nor represent an endorsement by Texas Tech University or its affiliates.

July 2016:Dr. Paola Prada was elected member of the Dogs and Sensors subcommittee within the
Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) housed in the National Institute
of Standards and Technology (NIST). OSAC coordinates the development of standards
and guidelines for the forensic science community to enhance quality and consistency
across the forensic science field.